Eight wins from your first 12 games in a new job is a fantastic start by any stretch of the imagination. That is exactly how Valerien Ismael has started his tenure at Barnsley. The Tykes have enjoyed a terrific start under their new manager, which has seen them thrown them into the promotion race. The one time Crystal Palace defender is certainly enjoying life in South Yorkshire so far.
Ismael has collected 24 points from the 36 available since replacing Gerhard Struber. His team are confident, exciting and playing some quality football. Ismael has taken to the job well and has instilled a clear winning mentality.
The sky is the limit with Barnsley in this kind of form. Their form has turned them from relegation certainties into possible promotion contenders. The Tykes are four points off the play-off places and are one of the Championship’s in-form teams.
Valerien Ismael Has Instilled A Winning Mentality At Barnsley
A Team Full Of Confidence
Ismael arrived in late October and to his credit, he has galvanised the whole football club. While time on the training ground has been limited, it’s clear he has built a good relationship with the players and the fans.
Barnsley had just four points from their first seven games. Three of those came under caretaker manager Adam Murray following Gerhard Struber’s departure for the New York Red Bulls. The Tykes had made a slow start to the season, having survived on the final day of last season.
However, since Ismael’s arrival, the club has soared up the table and find themselves 12th, just four points adrift of the play-offs.
The Frenchman has transformed the club’s form and his tactical decisions have been astute. He will heap praise on his side because while they have won matches, they have shown spirit and fight to earn results. It is certainly something instilled following their escape from relegation.
Confidence is high and credit must go to Ismael for the confident, quality football the Tykes are playing.
Key Components? Barnsley’s Ability to Fight Back
Barnsley are very much savouring their bright start under their new manager. What has made this sweeter is the team’s ability to fight back from losing positions to win games.
Three of Barnsley’s last four wins have seen the Tykes come from behind to win. Two of those victories came away from Oakwell, which makes their form even more impressive. They fell behind at Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday but showed the fight and determination of a team with promotion ambition to come back and win.
Their most recent win was Tuesday night’s home win against Preston North End. Again, like their two previous away games, they fell behind. But a dominant second half saw them come from behind to win.
Barnsley’s ability to fight back from losing positions is a huge plus for their manager. That is something he cannot instil on his side but the confidence breathed into the team comes from his management and belief in the players.
Valerien Ismael Will Heap All the Praise on His Players
While the 45-year-old is receiving the plaudits, he will be throwing all the credit on his players. Eight wins from 12 games is nothing short of outstanding. It’s a run which has transformed their season and the play-offs are a real ambition for the Tykes. 1998 was the last time dined at the Premier League table – could they soon make a return?
The man who has led by example is captain Alex Mowatt. He has been sensational this season, especially since Ismael arrived. We saw his qualities in the past at Leeds United, but he struggled to capture that form until this season. He has three goals in the heart of the midfield, and his leadership qualities are clear for all to see and he is thriving in a playmaker role.
Cauley Woodrow has picked up from where he left off last season. The former Fulham striker has found a home in South Yorkshire and continues to deliver the goods. He has seven league goals and four assists from his 15 matches this season. He is the talisman in the Barnsley side, and, unsurprisingly, he is valued highly by Ismael.
One player in particular who has enjoyed the Ismael revolution is the versatile Callum Styles. His performances have been outstanding in midfield and at 20 years of age, he is only getting better. Styles has three league goals this season including the winner at Birmingham City. He has developed a great relationship with the likes of Alex Mowatt, Luke Thomas and Dominik Frieser.
Consistency has also been key for the Tykes this season. With Ismael largely settling on a back three, the team have benefitted from few changes at the back. Jack Walton is the first-choice in goal. After waiting patiently for a chance, he is now rewarding both the team and himself.
Mads Andersen is the only other player alongside Mowatt to start every game. The Danish defender has been a fixture in the defence, stabilising and organising alongside Michael Sollbauer. The 22-year-old is into his second season at Oakwell and appears to be getting better. That back three has been completed most of the season by Polish defender Michal Helik, who, after taking time to settle, is growing into his role and forming a good partnership with his fellow centre-halves.
Barnsley are a vibrant young team going places. Ismael’s arrival and the upturn in form has instilled a confidence that they can compete for a place in the Championship’s top six.
A Crucial Festive Period Will Test the Tykes’ Promotion Ambition
Barnsley head into the festive period full of confidence having won their last three league games. However, they will face several tough tests across the festive period and into the new year. Their run includes two of the current top six and two Yorkshire derbies.
Barnsley head to Swansea City this weekend looking for a fourth straight league win. They are also looking to avoid the same outcome the last time they went to South Wales. Arguably their worst performance under Ismael came in a 3-0 defeat to Cardiff City. The Tykes then face consecutive Yorkshire derbies against Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United before taking on the leaders Norwich City.
These run of fixtures will test the Tykes, and a positive run of results will further increase their belief they can gate crash the play-offs. Its been an excellent start for Ismael and his arrival has had a positive impact on the club.
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